The Scientific Reason Why You Can’t Stop Popping Your Pimples

Can’t help popping your pimples? Here’s why that habit is so tough to break.

Let’s be honest: no matter how harmful we know it is, nearly everyone’s been guilty of popping a pimple or two. Even among the most dermatologically responsible of us, popping a zit can be oddly satisfying. In fact, some people enjoy popping pimples so much they’ll watch videos of other people doing it. So, what exactly is the allure of this ritual? Let’s investigate what’s at the root of our picky behavior.

The Pimple Popping Craze

Believe it or not, pimple popping videos are becoming increasingly popular on prominent social media platforms. Take Dr. Sandra Lee’s huge internet presence as a prime example. Under the Instagram handle @drpimplepopper, the dermatologist has more than 2.2 million followers who can’t get enough of watching her drain blackheads, pimples, cysts, and more. Her YouTube channel, which also boasts more than 2 million subscribers, depicts the extractions in even more gory detail. Warning: these videos are not for the squeamish!

Why We Want to Pop Pimples

Why are people so fascinated with Dr. Lee’s videos? For those of us who have acne, keeping our hands off our zits is often easier said than done. After all, the urge to pick isn’t just personal — it’s biological. Just like other animals, human beings have a natural instinct to groom, which means a natural instinct to do away with anything that doesn’t belong on our skin.

The result of that grooming? A rush of dopamine, and a sense of satisfaction post-picking. No wonder we’re often not satisfied with just getting an acne facial; when we pick pimples ourselves, we get a feel-good rush of endorphins that doesn’t accompany the more impersonal (and more responsible) alternative. Although watching videos is arguably even less personal, there’s something satisfying about watching other people have these imperfections removed.

To Pop or Not to Pop?

Sure, popping pimples can be fun. But it can also cause infections, worsen breakouts, and leave permanent scars on your skin. Even if you’re careful, popping zits at home does your skin more harm than good.

Like watching Dr. Lee’s videos? Great! Get your daily dose of pimple popping online, rather than picking at your own face. If you simply can’t resist the allure of popping your zits, talk to a dermatologist before attempting any at-home extractions.

If you want help with your pimples you can get a professional dermatologist to give you a personalized treatment plan from the comfort of home with our Virtual Acne Program. Get started here:

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1 Comment

This is worth sharing! I always accidentally pop my pimples before and it left permanent scars. It’s really frustrating because there seem to be no natural home remedies to treat it. You have to see a dermatologist and undergo treatment.

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ERIKA LUCERI-JOHNSON, PA-C

DERMATOLOGY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Erika graduated from the University of Florida in 2002 with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then completed her Master’s of Public Health in 2005 at Florida International University, where she graduated with honors. After earning her MPH, Erika continued her education at Nova Southeastern University, where she again graduated with honors with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2007.

After graduation, Erika worked in pediatric dermatology at Miami Children’s Hospital for 6 years before joining Clearlyderm. She has received specialized training in pediatric dermatology, including the management and treatment birthmarks (hemangiomas, port wine stains, moles, etc), molluscum, warts, acne, rashes, eczema, etc.

ANDREA COLTON, MD, FAAD

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Colton graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974 and University of Miami Medical School in 1978, finishing near the top her class. After finishing a four year Dermatology residency at the University of Miami in 1983, she worked in her own dermatology practices in Boca Raton and then Delray Beach.

She is a board-certified Dermatologist and has a long, distinguished career in Dermatology. Dr. Colton has received numerous accolades, most recently being chosen in 2011, as one of the best Dermatologists in America by the U.S. News and World Report.

Dr Colton is currently on faculty at Florida Atlantic University as an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Clinical Biomedical Science in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and is involved in the dermatology education of medical students.

Dr. Colton’s focus is on comprehensive collaborative dermatology care and works closely with dermatology nurse practitioners to create new innovative care models that will include quality improvement and benchmarks in dermatology.

Dr. Colton is married to Dr. Robert Colton and has five beautiful children and three golden retrievers. She resides in Boca Raton, Florida.